Blamo! Chris Thile on Bach and Big Sweaters
Nov 10, 2025
Chris Thile, the virtuoso mandolinist from Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, discusses his journey back to Bach after his last recording. He shares how he finds time to practice while on tour and the challenges of internalizing Bach's intricate music. Thile reflects on the emotional resonance of recording in personal locations and navigating clothing choices that impact sound and stage identity. The conversation dives into the artistic process of creating long-form music, exploring new genres, and the balance of expectation and surprise in performances.
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Bach As A Lifelong Practice
- Bach functions as a lifelong practice that reveals how you change as a musician over time.
- Recording Bach felt like taking a snapshot of a living practice, which made Chris reluctant and self-critical.
Pacing Beats Pure Technique
- Technical mastery isn't the only challenge; pacing and durational propulsion matter most to Chris.
- He aims to be 'hurtled through time' by music, prioritizing forward movement over flashy displays.
Make Classics Yours With Imagination
- To make Bach authentic you must let it pass through your own musical imagination rather than impersonate predecessors.
- Chris emphasizes turning off wishful hearing and using imagination to create music that feels additive.